A WHO update on the Rift Valley fever (RVF) outbreak in Tagant, Assaba and Adrar regions that was first advised in September reveals that the initial eight cases (and seven deaths) had risen to 75 with 25 fatalties by Nov 7. Cases have been recorded in 11 of the country’s 15 regions, however Tagant has just over half of all cases ‘with principal hotspot districts being Tidjikja and Moudjeria’. The WHO assessed the risk level to be high at a national level in view of the widespread nature of the infection among herd animals, but moderate for the region.
Advice for travellers
Rift Valley fever (RVF) is an acute viral disease that typically infects domesticated herd animals. It is generally found in eastern and southern Africa where sheep and cattle are raised, as well as in West Africa, Madagascar, and more recently Saudi Arabia and Yemen. People are infected after exposure to blood, body fluids, or the tissue of RVF-infected animals, or from the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus presents a low risk to travellers, but is another reason to use personal insect repellent and take other steps to minimise insect bites in places where it occurs. Read more about RVF.
Before you travel, call Travelvax Australia’s telephone advisory service on 1300 360 164 (toll-free from landlines) for country-specific advice and information. You can also make an appointment at your nearest Travelvax clinic to obtain vaccinations, medication to prevent or treat illness, and accessories for your journey.